Ecclesiastes 5:14

KJV

But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and [there is] nothing in his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

But those riches {H6239} perish {H6} by evil {H7451} travail {H6045}: and he begetteth {H3205} a son {H1121}, and there is nothing {H3972} in his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Due to some misfortune, the wealth turns to loss; and then if he has fathered a son, he has nothing to leave him.

Berean Standard Bible

or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.

American Standard Version

and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:14 offers a poignant and sobering illustration of the profound instability and tragic impermanence of earthly wealth, a central theme in the Preacher’s profound observations on life "under the sun." It vividly portrays a scenario where diligently accumulated riches suddenly vanish through unforeseen misfortune, leaving the owner utterly destitute and, most tragically, with nothing tangible to bequeath to his offspring. This verse serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that material possessions, no matter how vast or hard-won, offer no ultimate security or enduring legacy, thereby underscoring the inherent vanity and ultimate futility of human striving when detached from a divine perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 5:14 is strategically positioned within a larger discourse (Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12) where Qoheleth, the Preacher, offers a penetrating critique of the relentless pursuit and often illusory security of wealth. This verse directly follows [Ecclesiastes 5:13](/ecclesiastes/5-13 "Ecclesiastes 5:13 - Riches Kept to the Owner's Hurt"), which describes "riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt," setting the stage for a concrete and devastating example of such harm. Verse 14 then delivers this tragic illustration: the complete and sudden loss of wealth, rendering a man utterly unable to provide for his own son. The broader context of [Ecclesiastes 5](/ecclesiastes/5 "Ecclesiastes 5 - The Vanity of Riches") also includes warnings against rash vows, observations on the oppression of the poor, and the insatiability of those who love money, all contributing to the overarching message of life's inherent unpredictability and the severe limitations of human control over material prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the accumulation of wealth was often interpreted as a tangible sign of divine blessing and favor. Furthermore, the act of leaving a substantial inheritance for one's children was not merely a financial transaction but a crucial aspect of maintaining family honor, ensuring continuity of the lineage, and preserving the family name and legacy. This legacy was intrinsically linked to land ownership and accumulated possessions. Consequently, the scenario depicted in [Ecclesiastes 5:14](/ecclesiastes/5-14 "Ecclesiastes 5:14 - The Perishing of Riches")—a man diligently working to amass wealth, only for it to "perish" and leave his son "nothing in his hand"—would have been profoundly devastating. It spoke to the acute fragility of security in a world perpetually vulnerable to natural disasters, famine, warfare, disease, and economic downturns, where even the most assiduous effort could not guarantee a stable future or a secure family line.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores **The Impermanence of Wealth**, emphasizing that material possessions are inherently fleeting and subject to sudden, unforeseen destruction, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 23:5](/proverbs/23-5 "Proverbs 23:5 - The Fleeting Nature of Riches"). Secondly, it highlights **The Unpredictability of Life**, illustrating that human effort and accumulation, no matter how diligent, do not guarantee lasting prosperity or a secure legacy, aligning perfectly with Qoheleth's repeated observations on the inherent uncertainties of existence "under the sun" (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 9:11](/ecclesiastes/9-11 "Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Time and Chance Happen to All")). Finally, the tragic outcome of the son being left empty-handed speaks directly to **The Futility of Earthly Legacies** built solely upon material wealth, contrasting sharply with the more enduring value of a "good name" or a spiritual inheritance often emphasized in biblical wisdom, as profoundly stated in [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is to be Chosen").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** This primitive root signifies a complete and utter disappearance or ruin. It means "to wander away," "lose oneself," and by strong implication, "to perish" or "be destroyed." In [Ecclesiastes 5:14](/ecclesiastes/5-14 "Ecclesiastes 5:14 - The Perishing of Riches"), it emphasizes the absolute, irreversible nature of the wealth's destruction, implying a loss so profound that nothing remains, not merely a decline or reduction.
* **travail (Hebrew, _ʻinyân'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be afflicted," this word refers to "ado," "employment," "business," or an "affair." When paired with "evil" (raʻ), as in "evil travail" (raʻ ʻinyân), it describes a grievous affliction, a calamitous business venture, a severe misfortune, or a disastrous undertaking that leads directly to ruin. It highlights the burdensome, often futile, and ultimately destructive nature of human toil when subjected to uncontrollable, negative circumstances.
* **nothing (Hebrew, _mᵉʼûwmâh'_):** This term literally means "a speck or point," but when used with a negative particle, it emphatically means "nothing" or "not anything." Its powerful use here underscores the complete emptiness, destitution, and utter lack that results from the "evil travail." The son inherits absolutely nothing, reinforcing the stark reality of the father's failed legacy and the total, irreversible loss of the accumulated riches.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But those riches perish by evil travail":** This opening clause introduces a stark and unsettling contrast to the common human perception of wealth as a source of security and stability. It asserts unequivocally that accumulated riches, despite the diligent effort invested in their acquisition, are profoundly susceptible to complete and sudden destruction. The phrase "evil travail" (raʻ ʻinyân) points to a calamitous event, a severe misfortune, or a disastrous enterprise that leads to the utter and irreversible loss of wealth, thereby emphasizing the unpredictable, often harsh, and frequently uncontrollable realities of life "under the sun."
* **"and he begetteth a son, and [there is] nothing in his hand":** This second clause highlights the devastating and tragic consequence of the wealth's perishing. The man, having striven to accumulate riches, has also fulfilled the crucial societal and familial expectation of begetting a son, intended to carry on his name, lineage, and inherit his legacy. However, due to the preceding calamity, the son is left with "nothing in his hand," meaning no inheritance, no assets, and no material provision whatsoever from his father. This outcome profoundly underscores the vanity and ultimate futility of striving for an earthly legacy that can be so easily undone by circumstances entirely beyond human control, leaving behind only emptiness.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound and somber message. **Irony** is prominently featured, as the very "riches" (ʻôsher) that are diligently accumulated—presumably for security, provision, and future legacy—"perish" (ʼâbad) through "evil travail" (raʻ ʻinyân). The immense effort expended to gain wealth ultimately leads to its complete and utter loss, creating a bitter and tragic paradox. The verse also skillfully utilizes **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy for the father who labors tirelessly and begets a son, only to be rendered utterly incapable of providing for him, and for the son who is left tragically empty-handed. This devastating outcome powerfully underscores the inherent human vulnerability to forces entirely beyond personal control. Furthermore, the stark phrase "nothing in his hand" functions as potent **Symbolism**, where "hand" represents possession, power, capability, and provision, and "nothing" signifies utter destitution, the complete absence of a material inheritance, and the shattering of a generational legacy. This vivid imagery powerfully communicates the profound futility of relying on earthly wealth for lasting security or an enduring legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply resonates with the broader biblical wisdom tradition that consistently warns against placing ultimate trust or security in material possessions. It serves as a stark and unyielding reminder of divine sovereignty over all human endeavors and the inherent limitations of human control in a fallen world. The radical impermanence of wealth highlighted here compels a theological perspective that values spiritual riches and an eternal inheritance far above fleeting earthly gains. It profoundly challenges the common notion that prosperity is always a direct sign of God's favor or that human effort alone can ever guarantee a secure future, thereby redirecting focus to the ultimate and only true source of security, blessing, and enduring hope, which is God Himself.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches Will Fall")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [James 1:10-11](/james/1-10-11 "James 1:10-11 - The Rich Man Fades Away")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:14 compels us to critically examine our deepest relationship with wealth and our fundamental understanding of true security. It serves as a powerful and necessary antidote to the pervasive contemporary idolatry of accumulation, reminding us with stark clarity that even the most diligently acquired riches are ultimately fragile, transient, and subject to forces entirely beyond our control. This verse calls believers to cultivate a profound posture of humility and absolute dependence on God, recognizing that all possessions are temporary gifts to be stewarded wisely for His glory, not ultimate sources of hope, identity, or lasting fulfillment. It vigorously encourages us to invest our lives and resources in eternal values—such as spiritual growth, acts of sacrificial charity, and the advancement of God's kingdom—which cannot "perish by evil travail." Our true and enduring legacy is not found in what we accumulate for ourselves or our descendants on earth, but rather in our unwavering faithfulness to Christ and the imperishable spiritual inheritance we cultivate through our relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be subtly or overtly placing my security, identity, or ultimate hope in material possessions rather than in the living God?**
* **How does the stark impermanence of earthly wealth, as described in this verse, profoundly influence my priorities for saving, spending, giving, and investing my time and resources?**
* **What kind of "legacy" am I truly striving to leave for future generations, and how does this aspiration align with the timeless wisdom found in biblical teachings?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart of profound contentment, radical generosity, and unwavering trust in God's providence, even when confronted with life's unpredictable and often challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Does "evil travail" imply that the person did something wrong to lose their wealth?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While the Hebrew word for "evil" (raʻ) can indeed refer to moral wickedness, in the specific context of "evil travail" (raʻ ʻinyân) within [Ecclesiastes 5:14](/ecclesiastes/5-14 "Ecclesiastes 5:14 - The Perishing of Riches"), it primarily signifies a calamitous, grievous, or disastrous misfortune rather than a direct consequence of the individual's sin or moral failing. It refers to an unfortunate or ruinous circumstance, such as a failed business venture, an economic collapse, a natural disaster, or other unforeseen calamity that leads to the utter loss of wealth. The Preacher's overarching point throughout Ecclesiastes is often about the unpredictable, frustrating, and frequently unjust nature of life "under the sun," where even the diligent and righteous can experience profound misfortune, as further explored in [Ecclesiastes 9:11](/ecclesiastes/9-11 "Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Time and Chance Happen to All").

**How does this verse relate to the idea of leaving an inheritance for children?**

Answer: This verse provides a stark and sobering counterpoint to the biblical ideal of leaving a good and wise inheritance, as commendably mentioned in [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - A Good Man Leaves an Inheritance"). While Proverbs encourages responsible provision and a lasting legacy for future generations, [Ecclesiastes 5:14](/ecclesiastes/5-14 "Ecclesiastes 5:14 - The Perishing of Riches") highlights the sobering and often painful reality that even the best-laid plans, the most diligent efforts, and the most carefully accumulated wealth can be undone by unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances, leaving absolutely nothing for an heir. It implicitly but powerfully encourages a profound shift in focus towards cultivating a spiritual or moral inheritance that is far less susceptible to earthly "perishing" and offers true, lasting value.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:14, with its somber declaration of the perishing nature of earthly riches and the profound futility of a material legacy, finds its ultimate, glorious answer and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The tragic "nothing in his hand" that a son inherits from a father whose wealth has vanished stands in stark, redemptive contrast to the eternal, imperishable, and unfading inheritance that believers receive through their union with Christ. While earthly riches are inherently subject to "evil travail" and inevitable decay, Christ offers a divine treasure that "neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Store Up Treasures in Heaven")). Our true and lasting wealth is not found in what we accumulate on earth, but profoundly in our union with Him, who, though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ Became Poor for Our Sake")). He is the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing a redemption and a spiritual inheritance that cannot perish, spoil, or fade. Through His victorious death and glorious resurrection, believers are born into an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for them ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The "nothing in his hand" of the earthly father is utterly transformed into "everything in Christ's hand" for those who trust in Him, for He is the ultimate "heir of all things" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")) who graciously shares His eternal riches and secures a legacy that transcends all earthly calamities, offering true and everlasting security.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 23:5

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for [riches] certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

Haggai 2:16

Since those [days] were, when [one] came to an heap of twenty [measures], there were [but] ten: when [one] came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty [vessels] out of the press, there were [but] twenty.

Haggai 2:17

I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye [turned] not to me, saith the LORD.

Haggai 1:9

Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little; and when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

Matthew 6:19

¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:20

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: